Papparaidu says job seekers should grab any job opportunity while waiting for better offers.
Selangor government reported a 43% employment rate at the Karnival Jelajah Jobcare Selangor.
State human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V.Papparaidu said the salary range for those securing employment through the programme was between RM1,700 and RM6,000.
“A total of 3,647 people pre-registered for the job carnival, but only 1,859 attended the event held in seven districts this year,” he said.
“Of the attendees, 1,526 applicants were invited for a second interview.”
Papparaidu advised jobseekers to grab any opportunity while waiting for better offers.
Many jobseekers, he said, were fixated on securing specific work they were either experienced in or qualified for.
“Jobseekers should look at the opportunities available as an avenue to learn new skills which will pave the way for more openings later,” he said.
Papparaidu was responding to questions by Dr Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuldin (PN-Sungai Burong) on the state’s efforts in increasing job opportunities during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam.
In a supplementary question, Mohd Zamri asked if the state had made an effort to ensure the courses offered at higher education institutions, especially state-run Universiti Selangor, included placements at the respective industries.
Papparaidu replied that jobseekers were very selective.
“They need to be open to accepting opportunities that are available and remain relevant in the job market,” he said.
In reply to a supplementary question by Rajiv Rishyakaran (PH-Bukit Gasing) on jobs available for the elderly who were seeking employment, Papparaidu said they too were selective.
Employers participating in the job carnival, he said, offered many opportunities for fresh graduates.
There were opportunities for older adults too as some employers wanted to hire experienced people, added Papparaidu.
“However, the jobs offered may not match their experience, qualifications or salary expectations.”
In reply to supplementary questions by Mariam Abdul Rashid (PH-Meru) regarding job opportunities for people with disabilities, Papparaidu said there were such openings too.
He said the job carnival was a state government initiative, since 2021, with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) aimed at providing access to more job opportunities at specific locations.
“The programme is carried out in stages across nine districts every year.
“It involves the participation of 25 to 30 employers in each district, offering 35,000 job opportunities across various sectors and industries, with salaries ranging from RM1,700 to RM12,000.”
